To be or not to be tchernovi: a taxonomic revision of the snake genus Micrelaps (Squamata: Serpentes), in Israel

Zootaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4881 (2) ◽  
pp. 290-306
Author(s):  
SIMON JAMISON ◽  
EREZ MAZA ◽  
GUY SINAIKO ◽  
KARIN TAMAR ◽  
ALEX SLAVENKO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Variation ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Colour Pattern ◽  
Clinal Variation ◽  
Jordan Valley ◽  
Temperature And Precipitation ◽  
Morphological And Molecular Data ◽  
Colour Patterns

The enigmatic snake genus Micrelaps has uncertain phylogenetic affinities. The type species of the genus, Micrelaps muelleri, inhabits the Southern Levant. Snakes inhabiting the Jordan River Valley just south of the Sea of Galilee have been described as a new species, Micrelaps tchernovi, based on their distinct colour patterns, despite M. muelleri being well known to be variable in colour-pattern traits. Here we use morphological and molecular data to examine the taxonomic status and phylogenetic affinity of Levantine Micrelaps. We show that all scalation, colour, and pattern-related traits are extremely variable across the range of these snakes. Some morphological features show clinal variation related to temperature and precipitation, and snakes with a ‘tchernovi’ morph are merely at one end of a continuum of morphological variation. Both ‘classical muelleri’ and ‘tchernovi’ morphs occur in syntopy in the Jordan Valley and elsewhere in Israel. Against this background of high morphological variation, neutral genetic markers show almost no differentiation between snakes, no genetic structure is evident across populations, and no differences are to be found between the two putative species. We conclude that Levantine Micrelaps belongs to a single, morphologically variable, and genetically uniform species, Micrelaps muelleri, of which M. tchernovi is a junior synonym.

Morphological and molecular diversity in the freshwater crab Potamon ruttneri-P. gedrosianum species complex (Decapoda, Brachyura) indicate the need for taxonomic revision

Crustaceana ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Keikhosravi ◽  
Reza Naderloo ◽  
Christoph D. Schubart
Keyword(s):  
New Record ◽  
Molecular Diversity ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Valid Species ◽  
Indus River ◽  
Mitochondrial 16S Rdna ◽  
Morphological And Molecular Data ◽  
Incomplete Sampling

Many species and subspecies of Potamon have been described from the easternmost distribution of the genus in the western tributaries of the Indus River. Most of them were synonymised subsequently under the two names of currently valid species known from the region: Potamon gedrosianum Alcock, 1909 and Potamon ruttneri Pretzmann, 1962. Genetic and morphological information, based on mitochondrial 16S rDNA and the first male gonopod (G1), were gathered in the course of the present study. The corresponding results suggest the occurrence of four groups and question the taxonomic status of both species. We also revise the distribution range of both species, in particular that of P. gedrosianum, with a new record from Iran. Overall, the study reveals the need for a major revision using further morphological and molecular data. Because of the complexity of this necessary revision and the incomplete sampling, we here refrain from proposing any taxonomic conclusions.

Taxonomic revision of Israeli snakes belonging to the Platyceps rhodorachis species complex (Reptilia: Squamata: Colubridae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4379 (3) ◽  
pp. 301 ◽  
Author(s):  
GUY SINAIKO ◽  
TALI MAGORY-COHEN ◽  
SHAI MEIRI ◽  
ROI DOR
Keyword(s):  
Species Complex ◽  
Sequence Divergence ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Clinal Variation ◽  
Putative Species ◽  
Previous Decade ◽  
Morphological And Molecular Data ◽  
Species Being

The Platyceps rhodorachis species complex encompasses a widespread group of morphologically similar colubrid snakes. The number and identities of species from this complex in Israel have recently been debated. Studies from the previous decade concluded that there are two species in Israel and its vicinity (compared with one previously recognized), but their identity remained contested. We estimated the number of species and their taxonomic identity using morphological and molecular data. We found some evidence for clinal variation in many of the characters used to differentiate the species, and a great overlap in traits of putative species. Genetic data revealed very low sequence divergence, with all putative species being paraphyletic. Platyceps rogersi emerged as genetically closer to Platyceps saharicus rather than to its putative conspecific, P. karelini. The phylogenetic and taxonomic results thus indicate that the Israeli populations of the P. rhodorachis complex all belong to a single species, Platyceps saharicus (Schätti & McCarthy 2004). 

scholarly journals A NEW SPECIES OF THE Pareas hamptoni COMPLEX (SQUAMATA, SERPENTES, PAREIDAE) FROM THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE

2020 ◽  
pp. 174-193
Author(s):  
Li Ding ◽  
Zening Chen ◽  
Chatmongkon Suwannapoom ◽  
Tan Van Nguyen ◽  
Nikolay A. Poyarkov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Yunnan Province ◽  
Southern China ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Lower Number ◽  
Actual Distribution ◽  
Golden Triangle ◽  
Morphological And Molecular Data

An investigation of the taxonomic status of Pareas hamptoni (Hampton's Slug snake) based on morphological and molecular data revealed a new distinct species from the Golden Triangle region (comprising parts of southern China, and adjacent Laos and Thailand). The new species is shown to be a sister species to P. hamptoni but can be separated from the latter by having 3–5 dorsal scale rows at midbody slightly keeled (vs 5–9 scales strongly keeled); a lower number of ventrals, 170–188 (vs 185–195); and a lower number of subcaudals, 67–91 (vs 91–99). The new species is currently known from northwestern Thailand, northern Laos, and the southern part of Yunnan Province in China at elevations of 1,160–2,280 m a.s.l. We suggest that the new species to be considered of Least Concern (LC) in the IUCN‘s Red List categories. Problems of taxonomy and actual distribution of the P. hamptoni complex are briefly discussed; our results show P. hamptoni is now reliably known only from Myanmar and Vietnam, but its occurrence in Yunnan Province of China is likely.

scholarly journals Taxonomic notes on Scutellaria taipeiensis (Lamiaceae) from morphological and molecular data

PhytoKeys ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 140 ◽  
pp. 33-45
Author(s):  
Chien-Ti Chao ◽  
Bing-Hong Huang ◽  
Jui-Tse Chang ◽  
Pei-Chun Liao
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequence ◽  
Phylogenetic Relationships ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Plastid Dna ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Sequence Information ◽  
Related Literature ◽  
Morphological And Molecular Data ◽  
Comprehensive Study

The genus Scutellaria comprises eight species distributed from 50 to 2000 m in Taiwan. Amongst them, S. barbata and S. taipeiensis are very similar on the basis of morphological and plastid DNA sequence information. Therefore, a comprehensive study of the taxonomic status of S. taipeiensis is necessary. We reviewed the herbarium sheets, related literature and protologues and compared morphologies of these two species, as well as their phylogenetic relationships. All evidence, including the diagnostic characters between S. taipeiensis and S. barbata, suggest that they belonged to a single species rather than two. As a result, S. taipeiensis is treated as a synonym of S. barbata.

Variability, host range, delimitation and neotypification of Amanita simulans (Amanita section Vaginatae): collections associated with Helianthemum grasslands, and epitypification of A. lividopallescens

Phytotaxa ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 280 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
ALFREDO VIZZINI ◽  
MIRCA ZOTTI ◽  
MIDO TRAVERSO ◽  
ENRICO ERCOLE ◽  
PIERRE-ARTHUR MOREAU ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Morphological Variability ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Phylogenetic Position ◽  
Extensive Discussion ◽  
Closely Related Species ◽  
Colour Form ◽  
Morphological And Molecular Data

Several collections of Amanita species from section Vaginatae have been reported to be strictly associated with Helianthemum plants growing in grasslands, a still largely under-explored ectomycorrhizal habitat. The main aim of this study was to investigate the taxonomic status and phylogenetic position of strictly Helianthemum-associated Amanita sect. Vaginatae taxa, informally named Amanita “helianthemicola”. Collections from Italy, England and France were included in this study. The morphologically closely related species complex A. lividopallescens was also examined. Analyses were carried out based on both morphological and molecular data (phylogenetic analysis of the nrITS sequences). All investigated Amanita collections, which are strictly associated with Helianthemum nummularium, turned out to be conspecific with A. simulans. Amanita simulans was recently described from Sardinia (Italy) from Populus nigra habitats based on morphological characters only. As the holotype of A. simulans was lost, a neotype is designated here based on a voucher from the original collecting area. Amanita simulans is re-described, and an extensive discussion on the morphological variability, host species range, distribution and related taxa is provided. Amanita lividopallescens was confirmed as a good species, and re-delimited based on our phylogenetic analysis; moreover, it was epitypified with a recent and well-documented collection from Corse (France). Amanita stenospora is a synonym of A. lividopallescens, being a colour form of the latter without taxonomic value.

The Philodromus pulchellus-group in the Mediterranean: taxonomic revision, phylogenetic analysis and biogeography (Araneae:Philodromidae)

2007 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Muster ◽  
Robert Bosmans ◽  
Konrad Thaler
Keyword(s):  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Species Group ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Mediterranean Origin ◽  
Character Variation ◽  
Nomina Dubia ◽  
Morphological And Molecular Data ◽  
Continuous Character

The Philodromus pulchellus species-group is defined and diagnosed. Eleven species are included, described or redescribed, keyed and illustrated: P. afroglaucinus, sp. nov. from Algeria; P. bistigma Simon, 1870, P. glaucinus Simon, 1870, P. lamellipalpis, sp. nov. from Algeria; P. medius O. P.-Cambridge, 1872; P. pardalis, sp. nov. from northern Africa and the Iberian peninsula; P. pulchellus Lucas, 1846, P. punctigerus O. P.-Cambridge, 1908, P. ruficapillus Simon, 1885, P. simoni de Mello-Leitão, 1929, and P. wunderlichi, sp. nov. from the western Canary Islands. The validity of P. bistigma and P. medius is re-established (formerly in synonymy with P. pulchellus); neotype and lectotype, respectively are newly designated. The following new synonymies are proposed: P. torquatus O. P.- Cambridge, 1908 = P. pulchellus; P. salinarum Denis, 1939 = P. glaucinus; P. glaucinoides Wunderlich, 1987 = P. punctigerus; P. marionschmidti (Schmidt, 1990) = P. pulchellus. Philodromus albopictus Simon, 1875 and P. rubidus Simon, 1870 are considered nomina dubia. Determination of phylogenetic relationships within the group is difficult owing to continuous character variation, resulting in partially incongruent reconstructions using morphological and molecular data (partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene). Dispersal vicariance analysis provides support for a western Mediterranean origin of the group.

scholarly journals Taxonomic Revision of the Genus Lactifluus (Russulales, Basidiomycota) of South Korea

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyun Lee ◽  
Komsit Wissitrassameewong ◽  
Myung Soo Park ◽  
Jonathan J. Fong ◽  
Annemieke Verbeken ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
New Species ◽  
Morphological Variation ◽  
North American ◽  
Species Delimitation ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Similar Species ◽  
Cryptic Diversity ◽  
Intraspecific Morphological Variation

Abstract Lactifluus (Pers.) Roussel is an ectomycorrhizal genus that was recently recognized to be distinct from the genus Lactarius. To date, 216 Lactifluus species have been reported worldwide. Misidentification of Lactifluus species is common because of intraspecific morphological variation, cryptic diversity, and the limited number of taxonomic keys available. Molecular data are indispensable for species delimitation; a multilocus phylogenetic analysis showed that most Asian Lactifluus species are not conspecific with morphologically similar species present on other continents. In particular, Korea has misused European and North American Lactifluus names. In this study, we evaluated the taxonomy of Lactifluus in Korea using both morphological and multilocus molecular (ITS, nrLSU, rpb1, and rpb2) data. We examined 199 Lactifluus specimens collected between 1980 and 2016, and a total of 24 species across the four Lactifluus subgenera were identified. All Korean species are distinct and clearly separated from European and North American species. Five taxa corresponded to previously described species from Asia and the remaining 19 taxa are confirmed as new species. Herein, we provide keys to the Korean Lactifluus species within their subgenera, molecular phylogenies, a summary of diversity, and detailed description of the new species.

scholarly journals Split distribution, biogeography and morphological and genetic diversity of the Iberobathynellini Tribe in the family Parabathynellidae (Crustacea, Malacostraca, Bathynellacea)

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-61
Author(s):  
Ana Isabel Camacho ◽  
Paloma Mas-Peinado ◽  
E. Karen López-Estrada ◽  
Beatriz A. Dorda ◽  
Isabel Rey
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Cryptic Species ◽  
Plate Tectonics ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Molecular Dating ◽  
Nominal Species ◽  
The Family ◽  
Well Differentiated ◽  
Morphological And Molecular Data

Abstract The “Iberobathynella group”, or Iberobathynellini tribe, is a complex of six genera consisting of 33 nominal species and several cryptic species with an amphiatlantic distribution (in Europe, North Africa and North America). A modern systematic revision of this group of subterranean crustaceans is presented here. A phylogenetic and biogeographic study using morphological and molecular data (mitocondrial coi and nuclear 18S) was carried out and allowed to a) re-evaluate the taxonomic status and validity of previously erected subtribes, genera and subgenera that show congruence in the data; b) assess whether the identified mitochondrial lineages represent cryptic species; c) provide a plausible phylogenetic hypothesis for the relationships within Iberobathynellini and with the other two genera of the family Parabathynellidae that inhabit North America and Europe (Montanabathynella and Parabathynella, respectively); d) propose a plausible temporal and historical framework (paleobiogeographic scenario) for the diversification and evolution of the Iberobathynellini tribe based on the current distribution of morphotypes and their estimated times of divergence. Our results show that in parabathynellids, molecular and morphological divergences are not always congruent. Subtribe and subgenus are invalid categories so they must be eliminated. Paraiberobathynella genus needs to be revisited. The molecular dating results support the early divergence of the Iberobathynellini Tribe (Upper Cretaceous, around 78 Mya) and the vicariance by plate tectonics as main factor to explain the amphi-Atlantic distribution shown by this ancient subterranean crustacean group. Since there are species morphologically very similar to I. magna and I. imuniensis, but genetically different, we can ensure the existence of at least three cryptic species. Texanobathynella is undoubtedly a valid genus distinct from Iberobathynella. Montanabathynella and Parabathynella are two well-differentiated genera closely related to the Iberobathynellini tribe.

Taxonomic revision of Carpesium linearibracteatum (Asteraceae: Inulinae) from China

Phytotaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 371 (2) ◽  
pp. 111
Author(s):  
YONGZENG ZHANG ◽  
TAO DENG ◽  
YANBO LI ◽  
XIAOSHUANG ZHANG ◽  
KOMILJON SH. TOJIBAEV ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Taxonomical Status ◽  
Morphological And Molecular Data

Both morphological and molecular data have been used to examine the taxonomical status of Carpesium linearibracteatum (Asteraceae). We determined that C. leptophyllum var. linearibracteatum is closer to C. szechuanense and C. triste than to C. longifolium, thus not agreeing with the synonymization of this taxon and C. longifolium. We propose to elevate C. leptophyllum var. linearibracteatum to the species level as C. linearibracteatum.

scholarly journals A taxonomic revision of the mealybug genus Ferrisia Fullaway (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), with descriptions of eight new species and a new genus

Zootaxa ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 3543 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. B. KAYDAN ◽  
P. J. GULLAN
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Adult Female ◽  
Host Plants ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Similar Species ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Genetic Groups ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
Morphological And Molecular Data

The mealybug genus Ferrisia Fullaway is revised to include 18 species, based on morphological and molecular data. Wedistinguish the widespread pest species F. virgata (Cockerell) from morphologically similar species and provide a reviseddescription and illustration for the adult female of F. virgata. We resurrect Dactylopius dasylirii Cockerell stat. rev. fromsynonymy with Dactylopius virgatus Cockerell as Ferrisia dasylirii (Cockerell) and apply this name to many North Amer-ican and Caribbean populations previously recognised as F. virgata; F. dasylirii is the most difficult to distinguish mor-phologically from F. virgata and exhibits morphological and molecular variation among some populations. We designatea lectotype for D. dasylirii Cockerell. Eight new species of Ferrisia are described and illustrated based on the adult female,and named as Ferrisia colombiana sp. n., F. cristinae sp. n., F. ecuadorensis sp. n., F. kondoi sp. n., F. milleri sp. n., F.pitcairnia sp. n., F. uzinuri sp. n. and F. williamsi sp. n. The relationships of five of these new species and five namedspecies are discussed in relation to a previously published phylogenetic tree that was based on nucleotide sequence data.Taxonomically informative morphological features (such as the size, shape and position of discoidal pores associated withthe dorsal enlarged tubular ducts and the ventral oral-collar tubular ducts), identified for each of the genetic groups (clades)on the tree, are used to help to diagnose the species. We also describe and illustrate the adult female of a form of F. gilliGullan, found on Magnolia and some other host plants, that has numerous clusters of small ventral oral-collar ducts onthe body margins. For seven named species—F. claviseta (Lobdell), F. malvastra (McDaniel), F. meridionalis Williams,F. multiformis Granara de Willink, F. quaintancii (Tinsley), F. setosa (Lobdell) and F. terani Williams & Granara de Will-ink—we provide revised illustrations of the adult females as well as diagnostic morphological notes and information ondistribution and host plants. We also recognise Eurycoccus copallinae Ferris as a junior synonym (syn. n.) of Dactylopiusquaintancii Tinsley (now F. quaintancii) and designate a lectotype for E. copallinae. We include photographs of the liveappearance of the adult females of six Ferrisia species and also a key to all known species of Ferrisia based on the mor-phology of the adult females. We transfer the species currently known as Ferrisia floridana (Ferris) to a new monotypicgenus, Pseudoferrisia gen. n., as Pseudoferrisia floridana (Ferris) comb. n., and provide a description of the genus and its type species (Ferrisiana floridana Ferris), as well as a new illustration of the adult female.

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